Skyline Robotics has introduced Ozmo, the world’s first fully automated window cleaning system, at a 45-story office building located at 1133 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. This cutting-edge technology marks a significant advancement in the field of building maintenance, replacing the traditional method of human workers washing windows from platforms suspended from the roof.
While this might be difficult news for workers who rely on window cleaning as their livelihood, it reflects a broader trend seen in other high-risk professions: automation is a necessary and inevitable change. Just like other industries, automation in window cleaning aims to improve safety and efficiency.
Ozmo is designed to replicate the process of human window washers. It uses two robotic arms, developed by the robotics company Kuka, to handle the cleaning. These arms are currently supervised by a human operator who monitors the process from the rooftop. The robots are equipped with a Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) system, which scans every corner and curve of the building, making real-time adjustments to ensure optimal cleaning. According to Blum, “Ozmo is constantly scanning the environment” to fine-tune its operations for the best results.
While this automated solution may appear promising in the short term, it raises concerns. History has shown that automation often leads to the obsolescence of jobs that were once considered essential to society. The rise of robots like Ozmo, and other innovations such as the SVEABOT S100—designed to allow remote control and inspection—suggest that more jobs traditionally held by humans could soon be replaced by machines. Though automation offers advantages in efficiency and safety, it also brings the uncomfortable truth that many occupations may no longer be necessary in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.